Barbados-born cricketer Jacob Bethell is approaching his first World Cup matchup against the West Indies with a practical mindset, viewing the game as a crucial opportunity for England to secure a win on their road to the next stage of the tournament. Having relocated to the UK at the age of 12 on a cricket scholarship, Bethell had mixed feelings about returning to the Caribbean with the England team in late 2024. However, instead of facing hostility, he was greeted with support from friends and family at Barbados’ Kensington Oval during a recent match.
Bethell emphasized his focus on the game rather than any sentimentality. He stated, “It’s just another game to be honest. When I played them in Barbados, it was pretty cool. But we’re looking to get two more points. That’s all.” England kicked off their Group C campaign with a nail-biting victory, edging out Nepal by four runs in a thrilling finish at the Wankhede Stadium, where Bethell excelled, scoring 55 runs in his World Cup debut.
While recounting the intense match against Nepal, Bethell expressed that such close encounters are part of the learning experience in a World Cup setting. He noted, “I probably wouldn’t have wanted it to be as close as it was, but this tournament is my first World Cup… I think it’s going to be good for us—we take the two points and run.”
Adjusting to the role of batting at number three in T20 formats has been an evolving challenge for the 22-year-old left-hander. Despite a stellar performance in the Ashes series, where he scored a remarkable 154 runs, Bethell has acknowledged that he is still working on his performance in this position.
“I feel like I’m getting to grips with it now,” he remarked, looking to build on his initial successes. He also expressed hope that once he surpasses the 50-run mark, he will have the confidence to push for even higher scores.
In a supportive team environment, Bethell lauded England’s white-ball captain Harry Brook, who also scored over 50 runs in the match against Nepal. Their synergy on the field is a testament to their teamwork, especially following an incident during a night out in Wellington that is currently under investigation by the Cricket Regulator. Despite the probe, Bethell spoke highly of Brook’s leadership qualities, highlighting the enjoyment and confidence the team has in him as captain.
With Bethell’s promising performance and the team’s solid footing in the World Cup, England’s cricket prospects appear optimistic as they continue their journey in the tournament.